Posted in New Mexico September 08, 2016 by

The Best Train Ride In The Nation Is Right Here In New Mexico

USA Today’s Ten Best “Readers’ Choice” Awards just acknowledged New Mexico’s Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad as the best train ride in the nation.

Those readers are right and here’s why.

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1. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the most beautiful train ride in the country.
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
The train travels between Chama in Northern New Mexico and Antonito in Southern Colorado.
On the way, it passes through scenery like this.
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
2. This railroad has chugged its way into history.
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was built in 1880 to make it easier to access Colorado’s silver mines. It is now a national historic landmark.
3. This is one of the last steam engines still in operation.
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The steam is created by burning coal. Each day, the train engineers must shovel 3.5 to 4.5 tons of coal to keep the engine going.
4. The rails are only 3 feet apart.
Flickr/Lee Ruk
Flickr/Lee Ruk
That may not sound like a big deal, but the standard is 4 feet and 8 ½ inches. Narrow-gauge railways are ideal for mining and also for mountainous areas. They allow trains to move across challenging landscapes.
5. The train travels to elevations of over 10,000 feet.
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The ride takes you to the top of the world.
6. But the experience is still really relaxing.
Flickr/Glen Van Etten
Narrow-gauge tracks don’t allow for high speeds. You meander along the scenic 64-miles of track at speeds no higher than 20 mph.
7. There are several types of rides available.
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Take a half-day or a full-day trip. And, if you want to take someone on an unforgettable date, book tickets on the sunset train.
8. It’s the perfect way to admire the changing foliage.
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Just look at those spectacular fall colors.
9. You might end up at Hogwarts!
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Okay, not really. Your end destination is Chama or Antonito, depending on which direction you take the train, but this does look like the Hogwart’s Express.

Things to know: The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad operates from the end of May through the end of October every year. For schedules and fares, click here. Ticket prices are admittedly a splurge at $49 for children and $99 for adults for the full-day excursion. Half-day trips cost $29 for children and $79 for adults. However, this is truly a once in a lifetime experience. (Also, you need to pay the folks shoveling all that coal.)

This railroad, which began as a functional way to access mines, has transformed into the best train ride in the country. New Mexicans are inventive and skilled at repurposing. For another example of a place that was once tied to mining but that has since been reimagined, check out the Catwalk National Scenic Trail.